A retired Kansas Army officer has lost his fight in federal court over his adopted daughter's citizenship status, meaning she may have to return to her native South Korea.
Lt. Col. Patrick Schreiber of Lansing sued after federal immigration authorities rejected visa and citizenship applications for his legally adopted daughter Hyebin, a Korean-immigrant niece legally brought to the U.S. by Schreiber and his spouse in 2012, when the girl was 15.
More >> Judge's Ruling May Force Veteran's Adopted Korean Daughter Out of U.S.
Sunday, September 30, 2018
Oregon's Child Welfare Agency Faces Lawsuit Over Boy's Abuse
The Oregon Department of Human Services faces a $1.5 million lawsuit filed on behalf of a 7-year-old boy who was placed in his father's care despite a court order banning the man from seeing his two younger sons.
More >> Oregon's Child Welfare Agency Faces Lawsuit Over Boy's Abuse
More >> Oregon's Child Welfare Agency Faces Lawsuit Over Boy's Abuse
The Hidden Danger For Mothers And Children In Family Court
When Ohio judge Judith Nicely awarded Larry Mason* custody of his nine-year-old daughter and eleven-year-old son, the children locked themselves in the bathroom, held knives to their throats and threatened to kill themselves.
Despite their mother, Rose Mason,* fighting to regain custody, the judge upheld the order, citing the children were “alienated” from their father and needed to re-establish a relationship.
More >> The Hidden Danger For Mothers And Children In Family Court
Despite their mother, Rose Mason,* fighting to regain custody, the judge upheld the order, citing the children were “alienated” from their father and needed to re-establish a relationship.
More >> The Hidden Danger For Mothers And Children In Family Court
Saturday, September 29, 2018
Child welfare worker caseloads under review in upcoming audit
State auditors are investigating whether Department of Health and Human Services officials effectively monitor the number of cases assigned to child welfare workers, officials said Thursday. The audit will be part of an ongoing probe into the agency that has faced allegations of mismanagement for more than a decade.
More >> Child welfare worker caseloads under review in upcoming audit
More >> Child welfare worker caseloads under review in upcoming audit
Kansas child welfare chief says contractors will be fined if kids sleep in offices
The leader of the Kansas child welfare system said Friday the state’s foster care contractors will face fines if they continue to have children sleep in their offices in the aftermath of a teenager being charged with raping a 13-year-old at an Olathe welfare site.
Gina Meier-Hummel, secretary of the Kansas Department for Children and Families, made the penalty public during a meeting of the state’s child welfare system task force amid questions and concerns about the earlier sexual assault.
More >> Kansas child welfare chief says contractors will be fined if kids sleep in offices
Gina Meier-Hummel, secretary of the Kansas Department for Children and Families, made the penalty public during a meeting of the state’s child welfare system task force amid questions and concerns about the earlier sexual assault.
More >> Kansas child welfare chief says contractors will be fined if kids sleep in offices
Love and death in child welfare: Kanina Sue Turtle’s last days
Just over a year after Kanina Sue Turtle died by suicide in a Sioux Lookout foster home, the regional coroner said in his final report on her death that it didn’t appear anything could have stopped it from happening.
“In this case, the final stress does appear to have been an interpersonal conflict. It is not clear what interventions would have made a difference,” wrote Dr. Michael Wilson Nov. 27, 2017.
More >> Love and death in child welfare: Kanina Sue Turtle’s last days
“In this case, the final stress does appear to have been an interpersonal conflict. It is not clear what interventions would have made a difference,” wrote Dr. Michael Wilson Nov. 27, 2017.
More >> Love and death in child welfare: Kanina Sue Turtle’s last days
Bomb threat at Norwalk social services building leads to arrest, short evacuation
One arrest was made after the Norwalk Social Services Center and surrounding buildings were evacuated briefly Wednesday night after a bomb threat, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said.
Buildings between Alondra Boulevard and Hayford Street, and Clarkdale and Elaine avenues, were evacuated.
More >> Bomb threat at Norwalk social services building leads to arrest, short evacuation
Buildings between Alondra Boulevard and Hayford Street, and Clarkdale and Elaine avenues, were evacuated.
More >> Bomb threat at Norwalk social services building leads to arrest, short evacuation
Teen in DCF care allegedly trafficked for sex by worker at DCF-financed group home, AG says
A minor in the care of the state Department of Children and Families was allegedly trafficked for sexual servitude by a worker at a Saugus group home that is operated under contract to the state’s child protection agency, prosecutors said Friday.
More >> Teen in DCF care allegedly trafficked for sex by worker at DCF-financed group home, AG says
More >> Teen in DCF care allegedly trafficked for sex by worker at DCF-financed group home, AG says
Norway Returns Son, Daughter to Mom After Psychiatrist Is Convicted of Child Porn Charges
The Norwegian government has agreed to review several cases of children who were separated from their parents following the recommendations of a psychiatrist who was later convicted of child pornography crimes.
Additionally, at least one family impacted by the disgraced psychiatrist's recommendations has been reunited with their two youngest children about five years after they were removed from the home.
More >> Norway Returns Son, Daughter to Mom After Psychiatrist Is Convicted of Child Porn Charges
Additionally, at least one family impacted by the disgraced psychiatrist's recommendations has been reunited with their two youngest children about five years after they were removed from the home.
More >> Norway Returns Son, Daughter to Mom After Psychiatrist Is Convicted of Child Porn Charges
Fewer children in social care in Northern Ireland than rest of UK, according to new report
NEW research has uncovered massive differences in children's social care between the four countries of the UK, with Northern Ireland emerging as the territory where young people are much less likely to be fostered or taken into residential care. This is despite the fact that the province has the UK's biggest percentage of children living in deprived areas.
More >> Fewer children in social care in Northern Ireland than rest of UK, according to new report
More >> Fewer children in social care in Northern Ireland than rest of UK, according to new report
Single mum threatened with social services over unpaid £13 school dinner bill
The furious mum said the letter was like 'criminalising poverty', with the notice warning an 'instant referral' would be made to Denbighshire's Social Services Children's team
More >> Single mum threatened with social services over unpaid £13 school dinner bill
More >> Single mum threatened with social services over unpaid £13 school dinner bill
JACKSONVILLE WOMEN ACCUSED OF RUNNING ADOPTION FRAUD SCHEME, EXTRADITED TO UTAH
Federal investigators said Stephanie Fassnacht and Helen Nickulas promised hopeful adoptive families children who never existed.
More >> JACKSONVILLE WOMEN ACCUSED OF RUNNING ADOPTION FRAUD SCHEME, EXTRADITED TO UTAH
‘Legal kidnapping’: CPS took infant from mother for four months; judge rules ‘disinformation’ used
Amanda Weber brought her 10-month-old son Zayvion to the emergency room at Children’s Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota, in May because he’d been constantly coughing and previously had been treated for sleep apnea, Minnesota Public Radio reported.
More >> ‘Legal kidnapping’: CPS took infant from mother for four months; judge rules ‘disinformation’ used
Exclusive: Child Protective Services worker charged with seeking out children for sex
An employee of Child Protective Services in Fort Worth was arrested Tuesday during a county operation charging men with seeking out children for sex.
Adrian Martinez, 44, of Saginaw was arrested on Tuesday and charged with online solicitation of a child.
More >> Exclusive: Child Protective Services worker charged with seeking out children for sex
Friday, September 28, 2018
Ontario’s child protection system fails children, again
Children should, at the very least, survive the attempts of Ontario’s child protection system to help them.
What an incredibly low bar that is, Ontario’s child advocate noted. And how shocking that, yet again, Ontario has failed to meet it.
More >> Ontario’s child protection system fails children, again
What an incredibly low bar that is, Ontario’s child advocate noted. And how shocking that, yet again, Ontario has failed to meet it.
More >> Ontario’s child protection system fails children, again
County agrees to pay $3 million to settle lawsuits filed by former foster children
The County of San Diego will pay millions of dollars to settle a pair of lawsuits filed by two former foster children who accused officials of failing to protect them from abuse by their foster parent, then invaded the privacy of one boy during resulting litigation, county officials said.
More >> County agrees to pay $3 million to settle lawsuits filed by former foster children
Accused foster carers in North Yorkshire to get paid
FOSTER carers accused of allegations will continue to receive pay until investigations conclude even if their wards are moved away, councillors have agreed.
More >> Accused foster carers in North Yorkshire to get paid
More >> Accused foster carers in North Yorkshire to get paid
Foster mother tells of her horror after falling fireplace killed girl (4) in house
A four-year-old girl suffered catastrophic head injuries and died after a fireplace fell on top of her, an inquest has heard.
Jodie Lawlor Tyrrell, of Knockbrack, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, did not show a pulse or heartbeat when paramedics arrived and checked the little girl for life signs.
More >> Foster mother tells of her horror after falling fireplace killed girl (4) in house
Jodie Lawlor Tyrrell, of Knockbrack, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, did not show a pulse or heartbeat when paramedics arrived and checked the little girl for life signs.
More >> Foster mother tells of her horror after falling fireplace killed girl (4) in house
Interview: How Mothers Jailed in the US Lose Custody of Their Children
As the number of women locked up in the US grows, Oklahoma has the grim distinction of being the state incarcerating more women per capita than any other. Most women in jail have yet to be convicted of a crime – they’re being held until trial – and the vast majority are mothers. jasmine Sankofa speaks with Amy Braunschweiger about the obstacles these mothers face trying to keep in contact with, and keep custody of, their children while behind bars.
More >> Interview: How Mothers Jailed in the US Lose Custody of Their Children
More >> Interview: How Mothers Jailed in the US Lose Custody of Their Children
Hundreds Of Siblings Separated In Foster Care Reunite At Disneyland
About 350 siblings separated in foster care were reunited at Disneyland over the weekend.
The “Disney Days” are organized by Together We Rise, a nonprofit “dedicated to transforming the way kids experience foster care in America,” according to its website.
More >> Hundreds Of Siblings Separated In Foster Care Reunite At Disneyland
The “Disney Days” are organized by Together We Rise, a nonprofit “dedicated to transforming the way kids experience foster care in America,” according to its website.
More >> Hundreds Of Siblings Separated In Foster Care Reunite At Disneyland
Teaneck Social Worker Charged With Collecting On Bogus Claims For Kids' Mental Health Services
A clinical social worker from Teaneck falsely billed the Medicaid program for mental health services she claimed she provided to at-risk children and adolescents, a state grand jury has charged.
More >> Teaneck Social Worker Charged With Collecting On Bogus Claims For Kids' Mental Health Services
Thursday, September 27, 2018
US Still Separating Families At Border When Children Are US Citizens
The U.S. government is still separating families at the Southwest border when children involved are U.S. citizens.
KPBS has obtained data from San Diego County showing that since July, at least 54 U.S.-citizen children have been brought into Child Welfare Services by law enforcement agencies as "asylum referrals."
More >> US Still Separating Families At Border When Children Are US Citizens
KPBS has obtained data from San Diego County showing that since July, at least 54 U.S.-citizen children have been brought into Child Welfare Services by law enforcement agencies as "asylum referrals."
More >> US Still Separating Families At Border When Children Are US Citizens
13 foster children file suit against CYFD
A lawsuit filed in federal court on Saturday accuses the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department and Human Services Department of not addressing the needs of foster children.
More >> 13 foster children file suit against CYFD
More >> 13 foster children file suit against CYFD
Iowa has one of the highest rates of foster kids on psychotropic drugs in US, study says
Iowa has one of the highest percentages in the U.S. of foster children on psychotropic medication and does a poor job of monitoring the use or effectiveness of those drugs, a study released this month shows.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General found Iowa, Maine, New Hampshire, North Dakota and Virginia led the nation with the greatest percentages of foster children on psychotropic medications.
More >> Iowa has one of the highest rates of foster kids on psychotropic drugs in US, study says
Norway backs down in child protection scandal
Norway is set to review a series of controversial child protection decisions involving a prominent expert convicted of downloading hundreds of thousands of images of child sex abuse.
For years the psychiatrist played a key role in recommendations on children being taken into care.
More >> Norway backs down in child protection scandal
Wednesday, September 26, 2018
UPDATE: Lawmakers call for change after WSAZ Investigation about CPS
West Virginia lawmakers weighed in with disbelief, frustration and even outrage after our WSAZ Investigation: "Unprotective Services," which dug into problems with the vetting process at Child Protective Services.
More >> UPDATE: Lawmakers call for change after WSAZ Investigation about CPS
More >> UPDATE: Lawmakers call for change after WSAZ Investigation about CPS
'I hid my baby from social services in case they took it away'
It's every mother's worst nightmare - that someone might take away their baby.
That the bond they are gently making will be severed by some act of God or force of circumstance.
More >> 'I hid my baby from social services in case they took it away'
That the bond they are gently making will be severed by some act of God or force of circumstance.
More >> 'I hid my baby from social services in case they took it away'
Ontario coroner's report highlights need for changes to child welfare system
Ontario's child welfare system is letting youth down by ignoring their cultural and emotional needs and failing to allow them a direct say in their own care, the province's chief coroner said Tuesday.
Dr. Dirk Huyer said the need for change is starkly spelled out in a report commissioned by his office after 12 youth in the care of a children's aid society or Indigenous Child Wellbeing Society died over a three-and-a-half-year stretch from 2014 to mid 2017.
More >> Ontario coroner's report highlights need for changes to child welfare system
Lawsuit: Ankeny parents beat adopted children, locked them in basement
Ankeny parents JoAnn and Paul Drake are being sued by their adopted daughter, who accuses them of beating her and an adoptive brother and locking them in a basement years ago.
The plaintiff, 19-year-old SavannahRose Willow, also claims the Iowa Department of Human Services was negligent in failing to observe or investigate the abuse allegations.
More >> Lawsuit: Ankeny parents beat adopted children, locked them in basement
The plaintiff, 19-year-old SavannahRose Willow, also claims the Iowa Department of Human Services was negligent in failing to observe or investigate the abuse allegations.
More >> Lawsuit: Ankeny parents beat adopted children, locked them in basement
Washington foster care crisis: More kids placed in hotels, state offices
InvestigateWest, a watchdog nonprofit based out of Seattle, reported that nearly 200 Washington foster kids spent over 1,000 nights in hotels and state offices over the last year. That is a higher number than ever before.
More >> Washington foster care crisis: More kids placed in hotels, state offices
AN UNTOLD NUMBER OF INDIGENOUS CHILDREN DISAPPEARED AT U.S. BOARDING SCHOOLS. TRIBAL NATIONS ARE RAISING THE STAKES IN SEARCH OF ANSWERS.
WHEN YUFNA SOLDIER WOLF was a kid, she was made well aware of why her family members only spoke English, and why they dressed the way they did. Her grandfather and other elders used to recount their experiences at boarding schools, where the government sent hundreds of thousands of Indigenous children, from nearly every Indigenous nation within U.S. borders, to unlearn their languages and cultures. “A lot of them were physically abused, verbally abused, sexually abused,” she said.
At the center of the stories were the children who never came home from the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, where her grandfather was a student. “My grandpa used to say, ‘Don’t forget these children. Don’t forget my brother — he’s still buried there,’” Soldier Wolf said. She promised that she would remember.
More >> AN UNTOLD NUMBER OF INDIGENOUS CHILDREN DISAPPEARED AT U.S. BOARDING SCHOOLS. TRIBAL NATIONS ARE RAISING THE STAKES IN SEARCH OF ANSWERS.
Lawsuit calls New Mexico's foster care system "broken," according to report
Child advocates in New Mexico have sued the state's Children, Youth & Families Department, calling it a "broken" system, according to the Albuquerque Journal.
The lawsuit alleges tha ta number of neglected children are place din the care of families who don't have the "training, ability and support to care for them," the Journal reports.
More >> Lawsuit calls New Mexico's foster care system "broken," according to report
The lawsuit alleges tha ta number of neglected children are place din the care of families who don't have the "training, ability and support to care for them," the Journal reports.
More >> Lawsuit calls New Mexico's foster care system "broken," according to report
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
Schools will now collect data on children from military families
For the first time this year, schools across the nation will ask students if one of their parents is active duty military.
A law passed in 2015 requires schools to collect and report data on children of active duty service men and women.
More >> Schools will now collect data on children from military families
Foster mother challenges decision not to allow her adopt child
A woman has taken a High Court challenge against the refusal of Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, to consider her as an adoptive parent for a child she had fostered.
The woman fostered the boy a few months after his birth in 2016 and he was in her care until last April, when she claims the agency took him away. The woman said this was done without any consideration for his medical or psychological needs, or his best interests and welfare.
More >> Foster mother challenges decision not to allow her adopt child
The woman fostered the boy a few months after his birth in 2016 and he was in her care until last April, when she claims the agency took him away. The woman said this was done without any consideration for his medical or psychological needs, or his best interests and welfare.
More >> Foster mother challenges decision not to allow her adopt child
In Oregon Race, Political Ad from Foster Parents Creates Furor
Foster care reform has played an important role in Oregon’s gubernatorial race this year. Both incumbent Gov. Kate Brown (D) and Republican challenger Knute Buehler have pitched ideas about how to address persistent problems in Oregon’s child welfare system, highlighted by a scathing state audit released by Secretary of State Dennis Richardson (R) in January.
More >> In Oregon Race, Political Ad from Foster Parents Creates Furor
More >> In Oregon Race, Political Ad from Foster Parents Creates Furor
Report Shows 1/3 of Foster Kids Are Improperly Prescribed Psychiatric Drugs
A September 17th NBC News article discussed a report that showed 1/3 of foster children were prescribed psychiatric drugs without treatment plans or follow up. The report was released by the inspector general’s office of the Department of Health and Human Services. The drugs in question include medications intended to treat ADHD, anxiety, PTSD, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
More >> Report Shows 1/3 of Foster Kids Are Improperly Prescribed Psychiatric Drugs
More >> Report Shows 1/3 of Foster Kids Are Improperly Prescribed Psychiatric Drugs
Monday, September 24, 2018
NM’s foster care system ‘broken,’ advocates say
Thousands of abused or neglected children in New Mexico are removed from unsafe conditions at home only to end up in a “broken” state-run foster care system that fails to treat their trauma and, in some cases, puts them in inappropriate or overly restrictive housing where they continue their downward spiral.
More >> NM’s foster care system ‘broken,’ advocates say
More >> NM’s foster care system ‘broken,’ advocates say
NJ Family Court Judge Reprimanded for Involvement in Friend's Custody Case
The New Jersey Supreme Court has publicly reprimanded an Essex County judge for violating ethics rules by becoming involved in a friend’s child custody case.
More >> NJ Family Court Judge Reprimanded for Involvement in Friend's Custody Case
More >> NJ Family Court Judge Reprimanded for Involvement in Friend's Custody Case
Foster mom accused of holding 10-year-old boy in locked basement storage room
Federal prosecutors have charged a 34-year-old Macy woman with felony child abuse and kidnapping for locking her 10-year-old foster son in a basement storage room so she could go have fun.
Shortly after 2 a.m. Sept. 15, Omaha Nation Law Enforcement Services went to Krista Parker's home after getting a call at about 2:20 a.m. about a boy locked in a storage room.
More >> Foster mom accused of holding 10-year-old boy in locked basement storage room
Parents face tougher rules to get immigrant children back
Armando Tabora desperately wants to get his teenage daughter out of the government detention facility where she has been for more than three months. He has been stymied at every turn.
The Florida landscaping worker took the bold step of going to a government office to submit fingerprints and other documents required for immigrants to get their children out of government custody — and now that information is being shared with deportation agents. He was then told that the woman he rents a room from would also need to submit fingerprints, something she refused to do. He then sought out friends who are here legally to help him out, to no avail.
More >> Parents face tougher rules to get immigrant children back
The Florida landscaping worker took the bold step of going to a government office to submit fingerprints and other documents required for immigrants to get their children out of government custody — and now that information is being shared with deportation agents. He was then told that the woman he rents a room from would also need to submit fingerprints, something she refused to do. He then sought out friends who are here legally to help him out, to no avail.
More >> Parents face tougher rules to get immigrant children back
In beating death of toddler, St. Tammany foster mother sentenced to 30 years
Trenique Faciane's attorneys spent two days in court portraying their client as a calm, nurturing caregiver who had no criminal history and a sterling reputation working with children.
But when 22nd Judicial District Judge Richard Swartz sentenced the Lacombe woman to 30 years in prison Friday for manslaughter, his focus was not on Faciane but on Madison Parrott, the 22-month-old foster child who died of multiple blunt force trauma in May 2015.
More >> In beating death of toddler, St. Tammany foster mother sentenced to 30 years
County Settles Sexual Abuse Claims with Twins in Foster Care
The county will finally compensate twin brothers who were placed with a foster father who admitted to sexually abusing them.
The victims said they hope this will not happen to anyone again.
More >> County Settles Sexual Abuse Claims with Twins in Foster Care
The victims said they hope this will not happen to anyone again.
More >> County Settles Sexual Abuse Claims with Twins in Foster Care
Experts want tough laws on lucrative adoption business
Experts in child welfare and adoption matters want a moratorium placed on inter-country adoption made permanent to protect the rights of Kenyan children.
The concerns emanate from the fact that studies have established that inter-country adoption is big business, done at the expense of children.
More >> Experts want tough laws on lucrative adoption business
The concerns emanate from the fact that studies have established that inter-country adoption is big business, done at the expense of children.
More >> Experts want tough laws on lucrative adoption business
Single mum takes Tusla to court after agency takes away foster baby
A woman who for more than a year was the foster carer of a baby boy with severe health issues is to challenge Tusla in the High Court after the agency removed the child from her care because she was a single mother.
More >> Single mum takes Tusla to court after agency takes away foster baby
More >> Single mum takes Tusla to court after agency takes away foster baby
Troubled Kansas system for protecting kids was making progress. Then this happened
After months of headlines about missing runaways, foster children sleeping in offices and high-profile deaths, this was the last thing the Kansas Department for Children and Families wanted to see.
A 13-year-old in the state’s custody reportedly was raped inside a child welfare office in Olathe. And the young man charged with the assault earlier this month also was in Kansas’ care. Both were at the KVC Behavioral Healthcare office waiting to be placed in an available foster home or facility.
More >> Troubled Kansas system for protecting kids was making progress. Then this happened
A 13-year-old in the state’s custody reportedly was raped inside a child welfare office in Olathe. And the young man charged with the assault earlier this month also was in Kansas’ care. Both were at the KVC Behavioral Healthcare office waiting to be placed in an available foster home or facility.
More >> Troubled Kansas system for protecting kids was making progress. Then this happened
Saturday, September 22, 2018
Trump administration moves $260M from cancer research, other programs to help pay for custody of immigrant children
The Trump administration is planning to shift more than $260 million to cover the rising cost and strain of housing thousands of undocumented immigrant children in their custody – including millions of dollars from programs like cancer research and HIV/AIDS prevention.
The request comes as the program has been strained by record-high levels of children in custody, driven in large part by new policies that are holding kids longer and making it more difficult for them to be released to adults, such as family members.
More >> Trump administration moves $260M from cancer research, other programs to help pay for custody of immigrant children
The request comes as the program has been strained by record-high levels of children in custody, driven in large part by new policies that are holding kids longer and making it more difficult for them to be released to adults, such as family members.
More >> Trump administration moves $260M from cancer research, other programs to help pay for custody of immigrant children
Winnipeg CFS launches internal review after volunteer charged with sex assault
Winnipeg Child and Family Services has suspended hiring new volunteers pending a review of recruitment practices, after a volunteer for the agency was charged with sexual assault.
In July 2018, Winnipeg police charged a 35-year-old man with sexual assault and sexual interference involving a boy under the age of 16. Court documents show the alleged abuse took place between April 2017 and April 2018. CBC News is not naming the accused to protect the victim's identity.
More >> Winnipeg CFS launches internal review after volunteer charged with sex assault
In July 2018, Winnipeg police charged a 35-year-old man with sexual assault and sexual interference involving a boy under the age of 16. Court documents show the alleged abuse took place between April 2017 and April 2018. CBC News is not naming the accused to protect the victim's identity.
More >> Winnipeg CFS launches internal review after volunteer charged with sex assault
Friday, September 21, 2018
Parents jailed for one year for snatching child from foster mother
Parents who snatched their baby from a foster parent in January last year and took the child to Germany have been jailed for 12 months, four suspended, by judges in Den Bosch.
More >> Parents jailed for one year for snatching child from foster mother
More >> Parents jailed for one year for snatching child from foster mother
13 Investigates: DCS violated parents' rights, took kids away
Judges from the Indiana Court of Appeals have issued a scathing rebuke of the state's Department of Child Services, saying the agency repeatedly violated parents' rights. The appellate judges identified "significant violations of due process occurring in termination of parental rights cases throughout the state."
Late Thursday afternoon, in a statement sent to 13 Investigates, DCS director Terry Stigdon admitted the department's legal work had indeed "fallen short of the standards I have set for our agency."
More >> 13 Investigates: DCS violated parents' rights, took kids away
Late Thursday afternoon, in a statement sent to 13 Investigates, DCS director Terry Stigdon admitted the department's legal work had indeed "fallen short of the standards I have set for our agency."
More >> 13 Investigates: DCS violated parents' rights, took kids away
Foster kids trapped as WA system collapses
Abused and neglected kids in Washington’s overwhelmed foster care system were housed in hotels and state offices at a higher rate than ever over the last year, newly released figures show — a practice that costs taxpayers millions and that experts say further traumatizes some of society’s most vulnerable young people.
More >> Foster kids trapped as WA system collapses
More >> Foster kids trapped as WA system collapses
ICE arrested immigrants who came forward to care for migrant children
Between July and September of this year, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested 41 people who had come forward as potential sponsors of undocumented migrant children. 70% of those arrests were due to the sponsors — who are often the child's family members — being in the U.S. illegally, CNN's Tal Kopan reports.
Why it matters: Health and Human Services recently instituted stricter vetting procedures including background checks and finger printing for all potential immigrant child sponsors. Immigration advocates have feared that this information would be used by the Trump administration to round up more undocumented immigrants in the U.S.
More >> ICE arrested immigrants who came forward to care for migrant children
Why it matters: Health and Human Services recently instituted stricter vetting procedures including background checks and finger printing for all potential immigrant child sponsors. Immigration advocates have feared that this information would be used by the Trump administration to round up more undocumented immigrants in the U.S.
More >> ICE arrested immigrants who came forward to care for migrant children
Washington County woman found guilty in death of 7-month-old foster son
On Thursday, a Washington County jury found 44-year-old Tracy Nelson guilty of first degree manslaughter in the death of her foster son in June 2017.
The police report said the child died from blunt force trauma to the neck and head. The medical examiner ruled his death as a homicide.
More >> Washington County woman found guilty in death of 7-month-old foster son
Thursday, September 20, 2018
Judge: 'Disinformation' from nurse led to child being separated from mother
A 14-month-old baby is back with his mother after a judge ruled last week that her child was unnecessarily taken from her and placed in foster care in May.
Amanda Weber, 25, said Tuesday her son was traumatized by the four-month-long separation. Weber’s attorneys are calling for changes to state law to protect others from going through a similar ordeal.
More >> Judge: 'Disinformation' from nurse led to child being separated from mother
Amanda Weber, 25, said Tuesday her son was traumatized by the four-month-long separation. Weber’s attorneys are calling for changes to state law to protect others from going through a similar ordeal.
More >> Judge: 'Disinformation' from nurse led to child being separated from mother
UK social services are taking away record numbers of kids…leaving parents terrified
Having your children taken away by the state is one of a mom’s or dad’s worst nightmares. Unfortunately, this happens to thousands of parents in the United Kingdom every year--and not always with good cause.
According to the UK Sun, the number of children ripped from their parents through “forced care orders” rose from 7, 550 to 10, 130 in 2017: an increase of 34%. When you factor in children taken away with the parents’ say-so, the number rises to 32,810.
More >> UK social services are taking away record numbers of kids…leaving parents terrified
According to the UK Sun, the number of children ripped from their parents through “forced care orders” rose from 7, 550 to 10, 130 in 2017: an increase of 34%. When you factor in children taken away with the parents’ say-so, the number rises to 32,810.
More >> UK social services are taking away record numbers of kids…leaving parents terrified
Michigan sued over records about allegations at boys home
Gov. Rick Snyder's administration is being accused of withholding records about abuse allegations at a Detroit home for boys.
Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service, known as MPAS, filed a lawsuit Monday against the Department of Health and Human Services. The independent group is empowered under state and federal law to protect the rights of the developmentally disabled.
More >> Michigan sued over records about allegations at boys home
Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service, known as MPAS, filed a lawsuit Monday against the Department of Health and Human Services. The independent group is empowered under state and federal law to protect the rights of the developmentally disabled.
More >> Michigan sued over records about allegations at boys home
Foster children prescribed meds they might not need, report says
Thousands of children in foster care are taking medications they might not need.
A new U.S. Department of Health report highlights the health concerns related to foster children being prescribed psychiatric drugs with no follow-up care and also shows the financial implications.
Don’t trust algorithms to predict child-abuse risk
Your are right to highlight councils’ use of data about adults and children without their permission, alongside the warped stereotypes that inevitably shape the way families are categorised (Council algorithms use family data to predict child-abuse risk, 17 September). But the problems are more wide-ranging. In policy debates shaped by the Climbié and Baby P scandals, pre-emptive interventions sound attractive, but ethical debates about what level of intervention in family life, on what basis, and how pre-emptively, still need to take place. Such debates would be necessary with accurate predictions but become absolutely crucial when, as with any risk screening programme, false positives are unavoidable. In a given population where the base rate of abuse is low, these errors will be drastically higher than commonly believed.
More >> Don’t trust algorithms to predict child-abuse risk
More >> Don’t trust algorithms to predict child-abuse risk
Former foster children demand changes with child welfare system
Former foster children are speaking up and demanding changes be made to the child welfare system after the death of Jordan Belliveau.
"I've basically been in every county in Florida since I've been in foster care," said Hope Austrie.
Austrie was in foster care for five years and moved from place to place.
More >> Former foster children demand changes with child welfare system
"I've basically been in every county in Florida since I've been in foster care," said Hope Austrie.
Austrie was in foster care for five years and moved from place to place.
More >> Former foster children demand changes with child welfare system
Wednesday, September 19, 2018
Former CPS worker will spend no more than a year in jail with sex assault plea deal
A former Child Protective Services worker accused of sexually assaulting a teenager will spend no longer than a year in jail with a plea deal.
Daniel Hulings, 34, of Bath Township, pleaded no contest to two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct Friday in Clinton County Circuit Court.
Legislators Demand Answers After Child Allegedly Raped In Foster Contractor Custody
In the wake of rape charge filed in an attack on a 13-year-old girl in the office of a foster care contractor, Kansas lawmakers said Tuesday they’ll investigate what went wrong.
One legislator said state officials and the contractor responsible for watching over the alleged victim will face tough questions later this month.
More >> Legislators Demand Answers After Child Allegedly Raped In Foster Contractor Custody
One legislator said state officials and the contractor responsible for watching over the alleged victim will face tough questions later this month.
More >> Legislators Demand Answers After Child Allegedly Raped In Foster Contractor Custody
Fed court overturns Native American child-removal ruling
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit overturns a lower court’s order that gave Native American parents more rights in child-removal cases.
“Although this is an ongoing case, the department is pleased with the decision issued by the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals,” said state Department of Social Services Secretary Lynne Valenti.
More >> Fed court overturns Native American child-removal ruling
“Although this is an ongoing case, the department is pleased with the decision issued by the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals,” said state Department of Social Services Secretary Lynne Valenti.
More >> Fed court overturns Native American child-removal ruling
Legislators Demand Answers After Child Allegedly Raped In Foster Contractor Custody
In the wake of rape charge filed in an attack on a 13-year-old girl in the office of a foster care contractor, Kansas lawmakers said Tuesday they’ll investigate what went wrong.
One legislator said state officials and the contractor responsible for watching over the alleged victim will face tough questions later this month.
More >> Legislators Demand Answers After Child Allegedly Raped In Foster Contractor Custody
One legislator said state officials and the contractor responsible for watching over the alleged victim will face tough questions later this month.
More >> Legislators Demand Answers After Child Allegedly Raped In Foster Contractor Custody
Little Falls mom regains custody of her son; parents' group cries 'victory'
A mother of three regained custody of her youngest child in Little Falls last week after he spent nearly four months in foster care.
More >> Little Falls mom regains custody of her son; parents' group cries 'victory'
More >> Little Falls mom regains custody of her son; parents' group cries 'victory'
'Failed by the system': Foster parents of murdered 2-year-old give emotional statement
Largo police say a caseworker saw 2-year-old murder victim Jordan Belliveau at his home on Friday, the day before his mother reported him missing.
Jordan’s mother Charisse Stinson is accused of murdering her son and then lying to police about what happened until his body was found Tuesday in a wooded area in Largo.
More >> 'Failed by the system': Foster parents of murdered 2-year-old give emotional statement
Jordan’s mother Charisse Stinson is accused of murdering her son and then lying to police about what happened until his body was found Tuesday in a wooded area in Largo.
More >> 'Failed by the system': Foster parents of murdered 2-year-old give emotional statement
Wilmette mom at center of DCFS investigation sheds light on parents caught in 'upside-down child welfare system'
The Wilmette mother at the center of a child welfare investigation that began after she let her 8-year-old daughter walk their dog around the block is using her newfound platform to shine a light on the troubles of others she says are unfairly caught in the system.
More >> Wilmette mom at center of DCFS investigation sheds light on parents caught in 'upside-down child welfare system'
More >> Wilmette mom at center of DCFS investigation sheds light on parents caught in 'upside-down child welfare system'
Report finds 'disturbing' increase in sexual abuse, suicide among Nebraska children in state care
Reports of sexual abuse and suicidal behavior among children in the care of the state increased again last year, according to a report issued this week by the state’s watchdog over Nebraska’s child welfare system.
Julie Rogers, the inspector general of Nebraska child welfare, described the increase as “disturbing” in a statement accompanying the report.
More >> Report finds 'disturbing' increase in sexual abuse, suicide among Nebraska children in state care
Julie Rogers, the inspector general of Nebraska child welfare, described the increase as “disturbing” in a statement accompanying the report.
More >> Report finds 'disturbing' increase in sexual abuse, suicide among Nebraska children in state care
Tuesday, September 18, 2018
Addo ranger back in court for foster daughter's murder
The Addo Elephant Park ranger who fatally shot his one-year-old foster child and wounded his wife – who was holding the toddler at the time – appeared in the Paterson Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Shaun Billet, 45, the father of two other children, was arrested in August for murder and attempted murder.
More >> Addo ranger back in court for foster daughter's murder
Shaun Billet, 45, the father of two other children, was arrested in August for murder and attempted murder.
More >> Addo ranger back in court for foster daughter's murder
Regulations Needed on Therapeutic Foster Homes
Tort judgments concerning duty and liability, typically compensatory and tied to the facts of the particular case, provide a weak and inefficient regulatory mechanism. But individual actions do provide an opportunity to inform regulators by surveying the experience of others in comparable cases. Through precedent, broader rules may evolve. Thus the Appellate Division in the recently published Broach-Butts v. Therapeutic Alternatives, LLC surveyed the gradual extension of duty rules by New Jersey courts. Reversing a grant of summary judgment, the court declared that a private social welfare agency has a duty to prospective therapeutic foster care families to fully inform them of the problems a youth may present.
More >> Regulations Needed on Therapeutic Foster Homes
More >> Regulations Needed on Therapeutic Foster Homes
Report: Foster children over medicated with psychiatric drugs
Overmedicated, and in some cases, out of control. Thousands of foster children across Florida might be taking powerful psychiatric drugs they do not need, and the medications could be making their lives worse.
Doctors said a local 11-year-old who was removed from her mother’s care had post-traumatic stress disorder, ADHD, attachment disorder, anxiety, depression, and optional defiant disorder. A handful of five or six pills kept her under control.
However, the girl’s foster mother says the meds did the opposite.
More >> Report: Foster children over medicated with psychiatric drugs
Doctors said a local 11-year-old who was removed from her mother’s care had post-traumatic stress disorder, ADHD, attachment disorder, anxiety, depression, and optional defiant disorder. A handful of five or six pills kept her under control.
However, the girl’s foster mother says the meds did the opposite.
More >> Report: Foster children over medicated with psychiatric drugs
18-year-old charged with rape at Kansas child welfare office
An 18-year-old has been charged with sexually assaulting a 13-year-old at a suburban Kansas City child welfare office where children have been kept overnight because of a shortage of beds.
The Kansas City Star reports that Michael Anthony Hamer was charged last week with rape and aggravated indecent liberties of a child. Bond is set at $500,000. His attorney didn't immediately respond to a message from The Associated Press.
More - 18-year-old charged with rape at Kansas child welfare office
Warrior cry: the crisis of neglect of Indigenous children in foster care
For 50 days this summer, Queen’s Park was ground zero for protest over the continued denial of services to Indigenous children and youth in Canada’s health and child welfare systems
More >> Warrior cry: the crisis of neglect of Indigenous children in foster care
More >> Warrior cry: the crisis of neglect of Indigenous children in foster care
Foster caretaker accused of child abuse
A foster caretaker has been charged with child abuse, accused of using a comb to repeatedly strike a young girl in her care.
In the complaint filed against Sneads resident Dawndrell M. Martin, authorities with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office say the Department of Children and Families had contacted the agency about a possible case of child abuse involving a 5-year-old girl that had been placed in Martin’s care as a foster child.
More >> Foster caretaker accused of child abuse
In the complaint filed against Sneads resident Dawndrell M. Martin, authorities with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office say the Department of Children and Families had contacted the agency about a possible case of child abuse involving a 5-year-old girl that had been placed in Martin’s care as a foster child.
More >> Foster caretaker accused of child abuse
Family says CPS mishandled child abuse investigation
An East Dallas couple wants to warn others about their run-in with Child Protective Services.
The mother noticed a bruise on her infant daughter and took her to the doctor. What followed is a horror story that the parents believe could happen to anyone.
More >> Family says CPS mishandled child abuse investigation
The mother noticed a bruise on her infant daughter and took her to the doctor. What followed is a horror story that the parents believe could happen to anyone.
More >> Family says CPS mishandled child abuse investigation
Pinellas group calls for changes to foster care system
A group of parents and grandparents in Pinellas County gathered at the Justice Center on Monday to voice their concerns about the foster care system.
The group, called “Justice for Children” wants to see laws changed after the tragic death of two-year-old Jordan Belliveau.
More >> Pinellas group calls for changes to foster care system
The group, called “Justice for Children” wants to see laws changed after the tragic death of two-year-old Jordan Belliveau.
More >> Pinellas group calls for changes to foster care system
Watchdog: Mich. withholds records on foster facility abuse claims
A watchdog group has filed a lawsuit against a Michigan agency for failing to turn over records of alleged abuse at a Detroit foster care facility for disabled children.
The watchdog, Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service, said it has received complaints about the Paul Martin Home for Boys about lack of treatment, missing children, frequent fights, neglect by staff and physical abuse by staff.
More >> Watchdog: Mich. withholds records on foster facility abuse claims
The watchdog, Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service, said it has received complaints about the Paul Martin Home for Boys about lack of treatment, missing children, frequent fights, neglect by staff and physical abuse by staff.
More >> Watchdog: Mich. withholds records on foster facility abuse claims
DHHR: CPS to pull fewer kids from homes
West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) Secretary Bill Crouch told state lawmakers Monday that federal legislation will let more children of parents with substance use disorders stay in their homes, where they'll be better off, instead of foster care.
“The federal government has always paid us only if we pull children from their homes,” Crouch said, “so this is a huge change in how we’re able to deal with our child welfare problem.”
More >> DHHR: CPS to pull fewer kids from homes
“The federal government has always paid us only if we pull children from their homes,” Crouch said, “so this is a huge change in how we’re able to deal with our child welfare problem.”
More >> DHHR: CPS to pull fewer kids from homes
Foster kid in Kansas’ care reportedly raped at Johnson County child welfare office
A Johnson County teenager has been charged with raping a 13-year-old at an Olathe child welfare office where children have been kept overnight because of a shortage of foster care beds.
Michael Anthony Hamer, 18, was charged last week with rape and aggravated indecent liberties of a child under 14. The incident was reported May 5 at the KVC Behavioral Healthcare office, according to police records obtained by The Star.
More >> Foster kid in Kansas’ care reportedly raped at Johnson County child welfare office
Michael Anthony Hamer, 18, was charged last week with rape and aggravated indecent liberties of a child under 14. The incident was reported May 5 at the KVC Behavioral Healthcare office, according to police records obtained by The Star.
More >> Foster kid in Kansas’ care reportedly raped at Johnson County child welfare office
Monday, September 17, 2018
Maine fifth-highest in nation in prescribing psychotropic drugs to foster children
Nearly 30 percent of foster children in Maine who were prescribed powerful psychiatric drugs did not receive a basic “treatment plan” or regular reviews of their medications, a federal investigation has found.
Just shy of one-third of children in foster care in Maine during the period reviewed by federal investigators were prescribed anti-depressants, drugs to treat anxiety and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders or other “psychotropic” medications. The proportion of Maine foster children receiving such drugs – 1,155 of the 3,527 children in foster care, or 32.7 percent – was well above the 22.2 percent national average for the analyzed period, ranking Maine fifth behind North Dakota, Virginia, New Hampshire and Iowa.
More >> Maine fifth-highest in nation in prescribing psychotropic drugs to foster children
Just shy of one-third of children in foster care in Maine during the period reviewed by federal investigators were prescribed anti-depressants, drugs to treat anxiety and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders or other “psychotropic” medications. The proportion of Maine foster children receiving such drugs – 1,155 of the 3,527 children in foster care, or 32.7 percent – was well above the 22.2 percent national average for the analyzed period, ranking Maine fifth behind North Dakota, Virginia, New Hampshire and Iowa.
States aren’t giving foster kids the psychiatric drugs they need, government report finds
Vulnerable kids in foster care were taking too many — or too few — psychiatric drugs when the systems in charge of their welfare weren’t paying attention, a new government report released Monday found.
One nurse coordinator listed in the report — conducted by investigators at the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services — questioned why a six-year-old boy in foster care was prescribed four psychotropic drugs, especially since a dosage increase in one of the drugs negated the need for another medication he was on. There wasn’t any evidence that a treatment plan was developed before the boy started taking the drugs, government investigators discovered, despite the fact that his state required it.
More >> States aren’t giving foster kids the psychiatric drugs they need, government report finds
One nurse coordinator listed in the report — conducted by investigators at the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services — questioned why a six-year-old boy in foster care was prescribed four psychotropic drugs, especially since a dosage increase in one of the drugs negated the need for another medication he was on. There wasn’t any evidence that a treatment plan was developed before the boy started taking the drugs, government investigators discovered, despite the fact that his state required it.
377,000 people’s data used to predict child abuse
Data on thousands of UK residents is being amassed and used as part of a scheme to predict child abuse. Computer models with “predictive analytics” are being engineered using at least 377,000 people’s data, in a bid to crack down on child abuse.
More >> 377,000 people’s data used to predict child abuse
More >> 377,000 people’s data used to predict child abuse
APNewsBreak: Few safeguards for foster kids on psych drugs
Thousands of children in foster care may be getting powerful psychiatric drugs prescribed to them without basic safeguards, according to a federal watchdog's investigation that finds a failure to care for youngsters whose lives have already been disrupted.
The report due Monday from the Health and Human Services inspector general's office found that about 1 in 3 foster kids from a sample of states were prescribed psychiatric drugs without treatment plans or follow-up, which are considered standard for sound medical care.
More >> APNewsBreak: Few safeguards for foster kids on psych drugs
The report due Monday from the Health and Human Services inspector general's office found that about 1 in 3 foster kids from a sample of states were prescribed psychiatric drugs without treatment plans or follow-up, which are considered standard for sound medical care.
More >> APNewsBreak: Few safeguards for foster kids on psych drugs
Sunday, September 16, 2018
Nine-year-old boy in care moved five different times in 13 days
A CHILD IN the care of the State who had complex needs “didn’t know where he would be sleeping that night” after moving five times in the last 13 days, the Dublin District Court heard.
More >> Nine-year-old boy in care moved five different times in 13 days
More >> Nine-year-old boy in care moved five different times in 13 days
Editorial: Michigan children are waiting too long for CPS to make improvements
Michigan’s Child Protective Services agency has longstanding problems. The latest review of the agency – this time by the state’s auditor general – confirms yet again the lack of progress by an agency entrusted to protect and care for some of the state’s most vulnerable population.
Why do these problems persist?
It’s a question that deserves an answer. One Michigan residents have been waiting to hear for well over a decade.
More >> Editorial: Michigan children are waiting too long for CPS to make improvements
Why do these problems persist?
It’s a question that deserves an answer. One Michigan residents have been waiting to hear for well over a decade.
More >> Editorial: Michigan children are waiting too long for CPS to make improvements
Illegal adoption rackets thrive, leave children in jeopardy
Childless couples, too impatient to adopt children legally, are turning to illegal means of adoption. But the process is not safe and can put the futures of both the child and parents at risk, rue activists and officials.
More >> Illegal adoption rackets thrive, leave children in jeopardy
More >> Illegal adoption rackets thrive, leave children in jeopardy
Saturday, September 15, 2018
Children mistakenly taken from their mother because of drug-test mix-up: Tories
Nova Scotia’s community services minister has been asked to apologize to a young woman who was apparently left traumatized after two of her children were allegedly taken away mistakenly by Child Protective Services for four weeks.
The woman’s case was raised in the provincial legislature Friday by Progressive Conservative critic Barbara Adams, who did not name the woman or her children.
More >> Children mistakenly taken from their mother because of drug-test mix-up: Tories
The woman’s case was raised in the provincial legislature Friday by Progressive Conservative critic Barbara Adams, who did not name the woman or her children.
More >> Children mistakenly taken from their mother because of drug-test mix-up: Tories
County child protection director out amid allegations of failed child abuse investigations
Riverside County’s top child protection official, Susan von Zabern, left her job Monday as the county fights two civil cases alleging that severe child abuse continued after the department had finished their investigations.
The two civil cases were filed by attorney Roger Booth on behalf of the juvenile victims seeking damages for the trauma they suffered as a result of the botched investigations.
More >> County child protection director out amid allegations of failed child abuse investigations
The two civil cases were filed by attorney Roger Booth on behalf of the juvenile victims seeking damages for the trauma they suffered as a result of the botched investigations.
More >> County child protection director out amid allegations of failed child abuse investigations
Charges upheld against L.A. social workers in death of 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez
A Los Angeles County judge on Thursday denied a motion to dismiss child abuse and other charges against four social workers in the killing of 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez, concluding that the Palmdale boy’s death had been “foreseeable.”
“I have spent a lot of time, needless to say, on the case,” Superior Court Judge George G. Lomeli said. “This isn’t something I did by the seat of my pants.”
More >> Charges upheld against L.A. social workers in death of 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez
“I have spent a lot of time, needless to say, on the case,” Superior Court Judge George G. Lomeli said. “This isn’t something I did by the seat of my pants.”
More >> Charges upheld against L.A. social workers in death of 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez
Report: Prosecutors probing former social services chief
Prosecutors are investigating a former chief of Baltimore’s social services agency after auditors questioned how public funds were awarded to a local nonprofit and a contractor.
The Baltimore Sun reports that state prosecutors are also reviewing whether Molly McGrath Tierney followed procedures in 2016 when placing two foster babies with the then-CEO of the Family League nonprofit.
More >> Report: Prosecutors probing former social services chief
The Baltimore Sun reports that state prosecutors are also reviewing whether Molly McGrath Tierney followed procedures in 2016 when placing two foster babies with the then-CEO of the Family League nonprofit.
More >> Report: Prosecutors probing former social services chief
Thursday, September 13, 2018
Former Wythe DSS worker convicted of embezzlement
A Wytheville woman went from case worker to convict on Wednesday after admitting to embezzling more than $10,000 from a social services program that’s supposed to help keep kids out of foster care.
Indicted in July, 42-year-old Patricia Lynn Compton pleaded guilty to a single felony charge during a short hearing in Wythe County Circuit Court.
More >> Former Wythe DSS worker convicted of embezzlement
Indicted in July, 42-year-old Patricia Lynn Compton pleaded guilty to a single felony charge during a short hearing in Wythe County Circuit Court.
More >> Former Wythe DSS worker convicted of embezzlement
Leesburg man had alleged sex with foster child
A former Leesburg resident who allegedly engaged in sexual acts with a juvenile foster child was among 14 people indicted by a Highland County Grand Jury on Tuesday.
According to an affidavit filed with Highland County Common Pleas Court, the Highland County Sheriff’s Office received a report from Adams County Children Services on April 11, 2018, stating that a 16-year-old male reported that while he was living with a foster parent, Benjamin J. Wright, 30, of Canal Winchester, formerly of Leesburg, the juvenile allegedly engaged in sexual conduct with Wright.
More >> Leesburg man had alleged sex with foster child
According to an affidavit filed with Highland County Common Pleas Court, the Highland County Sheriff’s Office received a report from Adams County Children Services on April 11, 2018, stating that a 16-year-old male reported that while he was living with a foster parent, Benjamin J. Wright, 30, of Canal Winchester, formerly of Leesburg, the juvenile allegedly engaged in sexual conduct with Wright.
More >> Leesburg man had alleged sex with foster child
State prosecutors investigating whether ex-Baltimore Social Services chief properly placed foster babies
State prosecutors are investigating former Baltimore Social Services chief Molly McGrath Tierney after auditors questioned nearly $2 million she directed to a contractor and local nonprofit.
Sources with knowledge of the investigation say prosecutors also are reviewing whether Tierney followed proper procedures in placing two foster babies with the CEO of the nonprofit in 2016.
More >> State prosecutors investigating whether ex-Baltimore Social Services chief properly placed foster babies
Sources with knowledge of the investigation say prosecutors also are reviewing whether Tierney followed proper procedures in placing two foster babies with the CEO of the nonprofit in 2016.
More >> State prosecutors investigating whether ex-Baltimore Social Services chief properly placed foster babies
Watchdog to lead review of Michigan's child welfare system
Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder appointed the director of an agency that serves as a watchdog of the state's child welfare system to lead a review after a scathing audit of Children's Protective Services, the administration announced Tuesday.
More >> Watchdog to lead review of Michigan's child welfare system
More >> Watchdog to lead review of Michigan's child welfare system
'Nudist' foster father charged with sex abuse of a child
A man who told police he supports a nudist lifestyle in his house has been charged with sexually abusing his teenage foster daughter.
Zachary Chance Hoskins, 44, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Aug. 27 in 4th District Court with two counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child, a first-degree felony.
More >> 'Nudist' foster father charged with sex abuse of a child
NSW foster carers to be paid $75,000 'salary' in complex needs trial
The New South Wales government will pay specialised foster carers $75,000 a year to temporarily look after children with complex needs through an outsourced US-developed care program.
The program, to be delivered by a private not-for-profit company, OzChild, will be funded for a two year trial with $4.87m from the NSW government.
More >> NSW foster carers to be paid $75,000 'salary' in complex needs trial
The program, to be delivered by a private not-for-profit company, OzChild, will be funded for a two year trial with $4.87m from the NSW government.
More >> NSW foster carers to be paid $75,000 'salary' in complex needs trial
Vermont authorities investigating orphanage abuse, bishop pledges full cooperation
The Diocese of Burlington will cooperate fully with a joint state-local investigation into possible criminality stemming from the stories of abuse told by former residents of St. Joseph's Orphanage, Bishop Christopher Coyne said Sunday morning.
Coyne told parishioners during mass at St. Joseph's Cathedral and then reporters at a rare press conference, that the church erred in the past with its legalistic approach to allegations of abuse by clergy, and that both survivors and the faithful deserve a more compassionate response.
More >> Vermont authorities investigating orphanage abuse, bishop pledges full cooperation
Coyne told parishioners during mass at St. Joseph's Cathedral and then reporters at a rare press conference, that the church erred in the past with its legalistic approach to allegations of abuse by clergy, and that both survivors and the faithful deserve a more compassionate response.
More >> Vermont authorities investigating orphanage abuse, bishop pledges full cooperation
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
DCS case featuring sex with case manager reversed
For the second time in less than a week, Indiana trial courts and the Department of Child Services have been chastised for denying due process in termination of parental rights cases. This time, the matter involves a DCS case manager who had a sexual relationship with a case client among a host of troubling facts.
Reversing and remanding a case to Spencer Circuit Court, the Indiana Court of Appeals on Tuesday dealt with the latest in a string of cases in which DCS acknowledged a lack of due process. The COA concluded the case was marked by “egregious behavior” of DCS employees and “unusual and alarming circumstances.”
More >> DCS case featuring sex with case manager reversed
Reversing and remanding a case to Spencer Circuit Court, the Indiana Court of Appeals on Tuesday dealt with the latest in a string of cases in which DCS acknowledged a lack of due process. The COA concluded the case was marked by “egregious behavior” of DCS employees and “unusual and alarming circumstances.”
More >> DCS case featuring sex with case manager reversed
Poverty, lack of support hinder family reunifications when children removed by protection services: report
One fifth of Tasmanian mothers who have a child removed from their care will go on to experience further removals of their children by child protection workers, a new study shows.
The Anglicare research suggests poverty and a lack of support for parents are barriers to families reuniting.
More >> Poverty, lack of support hinder family reunifications when children removed by protection services: report
The Anglicare research suggests poverty and a lack of support for parents are barriers to families reuniting.
More >> Poverty, lack of support hinder family reunifications when children removed by protection services: report
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
OKC Mom Speaks Out After Daughter Arrested For Abusing 3 Foster Children
A foster parent denies abuse allegations made against her daughter by their foster children.
Police arrested Tiara Kruta, 21, on Sunday on three child abuse complaints after one of the boys ran away from their home.
More >> OKC Mom Speaks Out After Daughter Arrested For Abusing 3 Foster Children
Police arrested Tiara Kruta, 21, on Sunday on three child abuse complaints after one of the boys ran away from their home.
More >> OKC Mom Speaks Out After Daughter Arrested For Abusing 3 Foster Children
Social worker accused of having sex with teen in her care says he raped her
A trainee Oranga Tamariki social worker accused of sexually violating a 14-year-old boy in her care says he raped her.
Hastings woman Amanda Tatam, 30, is on trial in Napier District Court facing five charges of sexual conduct with a boy aged under 16, threatening to cause grievous bodily harm to the boy and his father, and a representative charge of supplying cannabis.
More >> Social worker accused of having sex with teen in her care says he raped her
Hastings woman Amanda Tatam, 30, is on trial in Napier District Court facing five charges of sexual conduct with a boy aged under 16, threatening to cause grievous bodily harm to the boy and his father, and a representative charge of supplying cannabis.
More >> Social worker accused of having sex with teen in her care says he raped her
Protest campers contemplate next steps as some teepees come down
Stacked-up chairs and disassembled teepee poles lay scattered around the Justice for Our Stolen Children camp Monday, as a disheartening mood settled over many supporters.
Some pitched in to help roll up tarps used to shelter common areas. There was no immediate word on how the protesters will react to a recent court decision ordering them to vacate the patch of land in Wascana Centre they first occupied 195 days ago. But hope seemed to be fading for some.
More >> Protest campers contemplate next steps as some teepees come down
Some pitched in to help roll up tarps used to shelter common areas. There was no immediate word on how the protesters will react to a recent court decision ordering them to vacate the patch of land in Wascana Centre they first occupied 195 days ago. But hope seemed to be fading for some.
More >> Protest campers contemplate next steps as some teepees come down
Search Continues For 11-Year-Old Girl Who Left San Clemente Foster Home
A search was continuing Monday for an 11-year-old girl who went missing from her foster home in San Clemente, and who detectives believe may be with her mother.
Kaia Fina was last seen Friday and may be traveling with her mother in a black 2007 BMW X3, California license plate 7RRY771, said Carrie Braun of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
More >> Search Continues For 11-Year-Old Girl Who Left San Clemente Foster Home
Kaia Fina was last seen Friday and may be traveling with her mother in a black 2007 BMW X3, California license plate 7RRY771, said Carrie Braun of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
More >> Search Continues For 11-Year-Old Girl Who Left San Clemente Foster Home
Metro children say foster mom’s daughter zip tied them when they were bad
Tied up and starved - those are just some of the allegations of abuse lodged by two boys. The 11- and 12-year-olds told police their foster mom’s daughter, Tiara Kruta, would "zip tie" them to their bed and only feed him once a day.
Oklahoma City police arrested Kruta over the weekend; the 21-year-old was booked on three counts of child abuse against children in the care of her mother.
More >> Metro children say foster mom’s daughter zip tied them when they were bad
Oklahoma City police arrested Kruta over the weekend; the 21-year-old was booked on three counts of child abuse against children in the care of her mother.
More >> Metro children say foster mom’s daughter zip tied them when they were bad
Monday, September 10, 2018
Damning Ofsted report was 'generous', says new Surrey children's services director
Inspectors were being “generous” and “gentle” when they rated Surrey County Council’s children’s services department inadequate in a damning report , according to managers and social workers.
The true picture was far worse, members of the children and education select committee were told.
More >> Damning Ofsted report was 'generous', says new Surrey children's services director
The true picture was far worse, members of the children and education select committee were told.
More >> Damning Ofsted report was 'generous', says new Surrey children's services director
West Virginia foster care system still in crisis
At Necco, the search for foster parents is never-ending.
"We need triple the amount of foster families," said Zeke Davis, program director of the Necco office in Logan.
More >> West Virginia foster care system still in crisis
"We need triple the amount of foster families," said Zeke Davis, program director of the Necco office in Logan.
More >> West Virginia foster care system still in crisis
Sunday, September 09, 2018
Pawns For Parents - Children Used As Tools In Custody Battles
The Corporate Area Family Court in downtown Kingston is seeing an average of eight custody applications per day as mothers and fathers battle over the control of their children.
According to one social worker at the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), children are being severely hurt by parents who use them as pawns in custody battles.
More >> Pawns For Parents - Children Used As Tools In Custody Battles
According to one social worker at the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), children are being severely hurt by parents who use them as pawns in custody battles.
More >> Pawns For Parents - Children Used As Tools In Custody Battles
11-Year-Old Girl Goes Missing From San Clemente Foster Home
An 11-year-old girl from San Clemente was missing Saturday and authorities said she could be with her mother.
Kaia Fina was last seen in San Clemente at 10:30 p.m. Thursday and was reported missing Friday morning, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Department.
More >> 11-Year-Old Girl Goes Missing From San Clemente Foster Home
Kaia Fina was last seen in San Clemente at 10:30 p.m. Thursday and was reported missing Friday morning, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Department.
More >> 11-Year-Old Girl Goes Missing From San Clemente Foster Home
Michael Moore Wonders If Ivanka Trump ‘May Have Been A Victim’ Of Child Abuse
Michael Moore is making the rounds to promote his incendiary new documentary “Fahrenheit: 11/9”, which takes a scathing look at Donald Trump’s road to the White House and the ensuing controversial presidency.
Debuting the film at the Toronto Film Festival, Moore discussed his latest documentary with ET Canada’s Roz Weston, who asked the filmmaker about a particular section of the film that explores the disturbing sexual comments that Trump has continually made about daughter Ivanka.
More >> Michael Moore Wonders If Ivanka Trump ‘May Have Been A Victim’ Of Child Abuse
Saturday, September 08, 2018
Mother speaks out about experience with CPS following scathing report
COA slams courts, DCS for violating parents’ due process
The Indiana Court of Appeals reiterated harsh words at the Department of Child Services and Indiana trial courts after it reversed another case involving the failure to afford due process protections to families in termination of parental rights cases.
Mother L.R. was facing a petition to terminate her parental rights to her three minor children. She failed to appear for a “status of counsel” hearing, prompting the Vanderburgh Superior Court to enter a default judgment against her. On DCS’s motion, the trial court terminated L.R.’s parental rights on that basis alone, and though L.R. filed a timely motion to correct error, she was denied the opportunity to explain her failure to appear at hearing.DCS conceded that L.R. “was not provided the due process protection to which she is entitled” and that the court’s termination order failed to enter findings of fact and conclusions of law as required by Indiana Code section 31-35-2-8.
More >> COA slams courts, DCS for violating parents’ due process
Mother L.R. was facing a petition to terminate her parental rights to her three minor children. She failed to appear for a “status of counsel” hearing, prompting the Vanderburgh Superior Court to enter a default judgment against her. On DCS’s motion, the trial court terminated L.R.’s parental rights on that basis alone, and though L.R. filed a timely motion to correct error, she was denied the opportunity to explain her failure to appear at hearing.DCS conceded that L.R. “was not provided the due process protection to which she is entitled” and that the court’s termination order failed to enter findings of fact and conclusions of law as required by Indiana Code section 31-35-2-8.
More >> COA slams courts, DCS for violating parents’ due process
Putnam: Bungled payments from DHHS for foster children frustrate mom, day care owner
A Clinton County day care owner says she’s had it with late and missing payments from the state and will end her longtime practice of caring for kids while their foster parents are at work.
Cindi Brown of St. Johns said the state owes her about $3,000 for care for two foster children dating back to February.
More >> Putnam: Bungled payments from DHHS for foster children frustrate mom, day care owner
Cindi Brown of St. Johns said the state owes her about $3,000 for care for two foster children dating back to February.
More >> Putnam: Bungled payments from DHHS for foster children frustrate mom, day care owner
Orphanage abuse: Vermont authorities to investigate survivors' stories
Local and state authorities plan to investigate the criminality of abuse against children at St. Joseph's Orphanage in Burlington that occurred decades ago.
A joint state-local task force is to be announced 10 a.m. Monday at the Burlington Police Department, Vermont State Attorney General T.J. Donovan said Friday.
More >> Orphanage abuse: Vermont authorities to investigate survivors' stories
A joint state-local task force is to be announced 10 a.m. Monday at the Burlington Police Department, Vermont State Attorney General T.J. Donovan said Friday.
More >> Orphanage abuse: Vermont authorities to investigate survivors' stories
Law aimed at protecting kids like Alfie Evans and Charlie Gard introduced in UK
A new measure introduced in the British Parliament Tuesday evening would give new options and protection to children in situations similar to Charlie Gard and Alfie Evans.
Charlie’s Law would require hospitals to attempt to resolve disputes with parents via mediation before going to the courts, mandate access to clinical ethics committees to advise both doctors and parents on life-or-death decisions, and allow parents to seek treatment elsewhere if unsatisfied with their current hospital.
More >> Law aimed at protecting kids like Alfie Evans and Charlie Gard introduced in UK
Charlie’s Law would require hospitals to attempt to resolve disputes with parents via mediation before going to the courts, mandate access to clinical ethics committees to advise both doctors and parents on life-or-death decisions, and allow parents to seek treatment elsewhere if unsatisfied with their current hospital.
More >> Law aimed at protecting kids like Alfie Evans and Charlie Gard introduced in UK
Friday, September 07, 2018
Child protection case report reveals system failures in death of six-week-old baby
Tasmania's Department of Health and Human Services has described in detail a botched child protection matter concerning the death of a six-week-old baby four years ago.
An internal investigation report, obtained exclusively by the ABC, was produced by the Department's Serious Events Review Team (SERT) for the Tasmanian coroner in 2017.
More >> Child protection case report reveals system failures in death of six-week-old baby
An internal investigation report, obtained exclusively by the ABC, was produced by the Department's Serious Events Review Team (SERT) for the Tasmanian coroner in 2017.
More >> Child protection case report reveals system failures in death of six-week-old baby
‘Failed by the system’: Foster parents of slain 2-year-old seek changes in child services
The foster parents of a 2-year-old Florida boy who police say was killed by his birth mother are asking for a "fundamental re-examination" of the state's child protective services system, while records show the victim was the focus of state social workers from the time he was 3 months old.
Sam and Juliet Warren said if Jordan Belliveau hadn't been returned to his biological parents, he would still be alive and well at their home. Jordan's body was found in a wooded area near St. Petersburg on Tuesday. His 21-year-old mother, Charisse Stinson, initially told Largo police a stranger had abducted him, but then said she hit her boy.
More >> ‘Failed by the system’: Foster parents of slain 2-year-old seek changes in child services
Sam and Juliet Warren said if Jordan Belliveau hadn't been returned to his biological parents, he would still be alive and well at their home. Jordan's body was found in a wooded area near St. Petersburg on Tuesday. His 21-year-old mother, Charisse Stinson, initially told Largo police a stranger had abducted him, but then said she hit her boy.
More >> ‘Failed by the system’: Foster parents of slain 2-year-old seek changes in child services
‘60s Scoop survivors not happy with national settlement suing government on their own
Some Indigenous adoptees are channeling their anger about the national ’60s Scoop settlement into lawsuits against the Canadian government.
“I hope others opt out and they can join me,” said Angelina Gosselin, who was raised in a series of foster homes in British Columbia.
More >> ‘60s Scoop survivors not happy with national settlement suing government on their own
“I hope others opt out and they can join me,” said Angelina Gosselin, who was raised in a series of foster homes in British Columbia.
More >> ‘60s Scoop survivors not happy with national settlement suing government on their own
Audit finds many Michigan child protection agency failures
A child welfare investigator in Michigan found evidence a male caretaker had sexually abused a child, and the child's mother continued to allow the man — her live-in boyfriend — access to her children during the investigation.
State auditors say the investigator didn't refer the case to a prosecutor or file a court petition, assessed far too low of a risk of future harm to the child and closed the investigation with no monitoring of the family afterward.
More >> Audit finds many Michigan child protection agency failures
State auditors say the investigator didn't refer the case to a prosecutor or file a court petition, assessed far too low of a risk of future harm to the child and closed the investigation with no monitoring of the family afterward.
More >> Audit finds many Michigan child protection agency failures
Damning new details in drowning of teen in group home's care
A newly-released report by state regulators paints a damning picture of what happened in the moments before a 13-year-old died during a group home trip to Edgewater Beach in July.
Shaud Howell was placed in Quality Care Residential Homes by Cuyahoga County's Division of Children and Family Services just days before he drowned.
More >> Damning new details in drowning of teen in group home's care
Shaud Howell was placed in Quality Care Residential Homes by Cuyahoga County's Division of Children and Family Services just days before he drowned.
More >> Damning new details in drowning of teen in group home's care
Baltimore Social Services accused of housing children in offices overnight
Baltimore Social Services has been housing foster children illegally again in its offices downtown, according to attorneys representing the children.
More >> Baltimore Social Services accused of housing children in offices overnight
More >> Baltimore Social Services accused of housing children in offices overnight
CPS worker charged with bribery allegedly told family she could make their case 'go away'
Kelley Justice hid her face from WSAZ's camera on her way to jail. It comes after West Virginia State Police say they caught her in the act, minutes after she accepted bribe money from one of two Boone County families she solicited.
More >> UPDATE: Woman contracted with CPS scams two families; victim speaks out
More >> UPDATE: Woman contracted with CPS scams two families; victim speaks out
I have to post this - How to Recognize Demonic Activity in the Church Scandals, According to an Exorcist
I just came across this article. I have to post the link.
“By sexually abusing children, Satan desires to destroy the icon of the kingdom of God.”
More >> How to Recognize Demonic Activity in the Church Scandals, According to an Exorcist
“By sexually abusing children, Satan desires to destroy the icon of the kingdom of God.”
Brisbane man who abused three foster siblings could be free in five years
A psychologist failed to act when a Brisbane man, who later went on to abuse four people, confessed to having sexual desires about young children, a court has heard.
The 25-year-old man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was the foster brother of three of the children who were abused for varying periods between 2012 and 2016, the District Court heard.
More >> Brisbane man who abused three foster siblings could be free in five years
The 25-year-old man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was the foster brother of three of the children who were abused for varying periods between 2012 and 2016, the District Court heard.
More >> Brisbane man who abused three foster siblings could be free in five years
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